Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple: It is believed that Lord Vishnu Resides Here in Kali Yuga

Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple is also recognized by many other names such as Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Tirumala Temple. This temple is situated in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a form of Lord Vishnu).

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) manages the overall operation of Lord Tirupati Balaji temple under the aegis of the Andhra Pradesh Government.

You must know that Tirupati Balaji temple is one of the Pancha Kshethram. The names of other four temples are Sundararaja Perumal Temple, Salem; Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam; Nachiyar Koil; and Oppiliappan Temple.

There are over 75,000 pilgrims visit the temple every day. This temple is also counted among the world’s richest temples in terms of its wealth and donations received.

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Booking

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) offers you multiple ways to have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirupati Balaji Temple. You can either have a darshan free of cost by entering in the line or pay Rs.300 for a Special Entry Darshan.

The facility of Special Entry Darshan or Seeghra Darshan was introduced on 21^st September 2009. The booking window for Seeghra Darshan is open round the clock. However, to avail of this facility, you will be required to pay Rs. 300/- per person.

Also Check: Mahakal Bhasma Aarti Details

The booking of Seeghra Darshan is available online at https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in/ or you can visit your nearest post office for booking. Find the process as shared below:

1. Visit the website https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in/.

2. You’ll find the option for advance booking of Special Entry Darshan under the Online Services Menu.

3. Click the link and you’ll be asked to enter your 10 digit mobile number. You’ll receive an OTP on the given number.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your advance booking and have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara without standing in the line.

Alternatively, you can also choose the Slotted Sarva Darshan facility where you can have a darshan of Lord Venkateswara free of cost and even without standing in line. Pilgrims are required to collect tokens for the same from SSD counters in Tirupati.

Tirupati Balaji Darshan Booking for Differently Abled/ Sr. Citizen/Medical Cases

Pilgrims who fall in this category are required to book their tickets from the website https://tirupatibalaji.ap.gov.in. However, for the same, you’ll need to pay Rs.1000 per day.

Senior Citizen: Pilgrims, who are at least 65 years old, fall in this category. Aadhaar is a mandatory document for booking and only spouse is permitted.
Medical cases: Pilgrims suffering from Spine Surgery, Cancer, Brain Surgery, Kidney Transplantation, Liver Transplantation, Dialysis, and Open Heart Surgery fall in this category. They will need to submit a valid Medical certificate issued by the concerned Surgeon or Specialist to book their tickets.
Differently Abled: You need to produce Differently Abled certificate issued by State/Central Govt if you fall in this category.

How to Reach Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple?

All modes of transport are available to reach Tirupati Balaji Temple. The temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy is situated in Tirumala hills. One needs to reach Tirupati first from where he/she can travel by road or foot to reach the temple.

Mode of Transport	Description
By Railway	The nearest railway station of Tirupati Balaji Temple is Tirupati railway station which is located at a distance of 26km from Tirumala.
By Air	Renigunta Airport is located at a distance of 15 km from Tirupati.
By road	Tirumala is well-connected by road as well. You can avail frequent bus from Tirupati to Tirumala. Alternatively, you can travel by private bus or paid taxis operational from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Visakapatnam to Tirupati.

Check: Vaishno Devi Aarti Booking

History of Tirupati Balaji Temple

It has been recorded that the construction of Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple started in 300 AD. Pallava queen Samavai donated jewels and 23 acres of land which was suppose to be used for the celebration of festivals in the temple. Check 12 Jyotirlinga List

Later, Vijayanagara Empire donated diamonds and gold that had a significant impact on the size and wealth expansion of the temple.

Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya is considered to be a frequent donor of this temple and he also installed his own statue inside the temple’s premises.

Further donations to the temple are also recorded from the Gadwal Samsthanam and the Kingdom of Mysore.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams was later formed in 1933 and currently manages the overall operation of Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Festivals Celebrated in Tirupati Balaji Temple

There are over 400 festivals celebrated every year in Tirupati Balaji Temple including Janmashtami, Rama Navami, Ugadi, Pushpa yagam, and Vasanthotsavam. I have also listed a few other major festivals celebrated in the temple, have a look:

Vaikunta Ekadasi: According to the Gregorian calendar, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls between the 16^th of December and to 13^th of January. On this day, the temple attracts over 150,000 pilgrims from all around the world.
Sri Venkateshwara Brahmotsavams: It is a 9-day festival usually celebrated in October month. This festival also attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Rathasapthami: This festival is also celebrated as Surya Jayanti. It is considered that God Sun was born on this day.It is usually celebrated in February month.

Practice of Hair Donation at the Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple

Donating hair at the Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple is considered the purest form of worship.

Devotees donate their hair at the temple when their wishes are fulfilled or when they want to get rid of their sins and ego.

The best thing is here both men and women donate their hair when their vows are fulfilled.

There are over 20000 people who donate their hair every day at the temple. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has employed 600 people who help devotees shave their hair.

There are two main stories associated with it behind why people donate their hair at the Lord Tirupati Balaji Temple:

There is a belief that you get the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi when you donate your hair at the Tirupati Balaji Temple.

There is another story associated to it. Once upon a time, a group of ants covered the Lord Balaji idol. A cow used to come to this place every day to offer milk to Lord Balaji. One day, the cow’s owner got angry and he hit the cows using an axe.

Lord Balaji got wounded after this act. Goddess Neela Devi cut her hair to cure the wound of the Lord. Lord Narayan was overwhelmed with this and gave his word that whoever donates hair here his/her wishes will be fulfilled for sure.

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